History - Foreign Affairs Flashcards

Non-Intercourse Act

A law passed by Congress in 1809 that replaced the Embargo Act. It reopened trade with all nations except Britain and France. The act was meant to avoid conflict while protecting American interests, but it had limited success.

Orders in Council

A series of laws issued by the British government that restricted neutral countries, like the U.S., from trading with France during the Napoleonic Wars. These restrictions angered American merchants and were a major cause of the War of 1812.

Tecumseh

A Shawnee leader who united Native American tribes into a confederation to resist U.S. expansion into their lands. He believed that Native lands were collectively owned by all tribes and could not be sold without their unanimous agreement.

Treaty of Fort Wayne

A treaty signed in 1809 in which several Native American tribes from the upper Northwest Territory, under pressure from U.S. officials, sold over three million acres of land to the United States.

Battle of Tippecanoe

A battle in 1811 where U.S. forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison defeated Native forces led by Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh’s brother. The defeat weakened Tecumseh’s confederation and increased tensions between the U.S. and Britain due to British support for Native resistance.

War Hawks

A group of young, nationalist congressmen, primarily from the South and West, who pushed for war with Britain in 1812. They argued that war was necessary to defend American sovereignty, protect settlers from Native attacks, and potentially expand U.S. territory into Canada.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

A naval conflict in 1807 where the British warship HMS Leopard attacked the American frigate USS Chesapeake, killing three sailors and impressing four others. The incident outraged Americans and was a key cause of the War of 1812.

Prophetstown

A settlement founded by Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa in Indiana. It was the center of Native American resistance to U.S. expansion.

Isolation and Neutrality

Washington's foreign policy established a precedent of isolationism, emphasizing neutrality in European conflicts to protect American interests and avoid entanglement in foreign wars.

Challenges of Neutrality

The difficulties of maintaining neutrality were evident during conflicts involving France and Britain, highlighting the tensions between U.S. interests and foreign conflicts.

Aggressive Involvement

As threats from European powers increased, the need for a strong military presence became apparent, leading to Adams' decision to build a navy and adopt a more aggressive foreign policy stance.

Barbary Wars

Military actions during the Barbary Wars demonstrated the U.S.'s willingness to engage militarily when national interests were threatened, marking a departure from isolationism.

Diplomacy and Negotiation

Diplomatic efforts were crucial in navigating U.S. foreign relations, particularly through treaties like the Treaty of Tripoli, showcasing the balance between diplomacy and military action.

Neutrality Proclamation of 1793

This proclamation was significant in shaping U.S. foreign relations by solidifying the nation's commitment to neutrality during European conflicts.

Washington's Foreign Policy

Focused on neutrality and isolation in international affairs.

Jay Treaty

Agreement addressing British withdrawal from western forts.

Charles Maurice Talleyrand

French Foreign Minister who refused to meet U.S. envoy without receiving a bribe.

XYZ Affair

The incident where French agents demanded tribute from U.S. ambassadors.

Naval Act of 1794

Authorized funding for the construction of six naval frigates.

Frigates

Modern warships of the early 1800s, known for speed and agility.

Ownership of Florida and Louisiana in 1800

Territories controlled by Spain, posing southern threats to the U.S.

Envoy

Team of diplomatic negotiators.

Thomas Jefferson's Foreign Policy

Emphasized direct action using naval forces, including an attempted embargo against trade with Great Britain.

Impressment

British forced American sailors into the Royal Navy.

Philadelphia Affair

Decatur's mission to destroy a captured frigate.

Treaty of Tripoli

Ended the Barbary Wars and tribute payments to Barbary States.

Embargo Act

Jefferson's trade ban against Europe; economically damaging to the U.S.

Federalists' Opposition to the Embargo Act

Opposed the embargo due to merchant losses.

Impact of the Embargo Act on the U.S. economy

Severely impacted industry in the Northeast by preventing trade with Great Britain.

Naval Blockade

Strategy to prevent enemy ships from entering ports.